European Shares Set to Open Lower on Korea Fears

Reuters and CNBC.com

Monday, 20 Dec 2010 | 2:05 AM ETCNBC.com

SHARES

European shares were set to dip on Monday, with investors' nerves rattled by possible escalating tensions in North Korea, though trading volumes were expected to be thin as the year-end holiday season looms.

Sajjad Hussain | Getty Images

An Indian stock broker looks worried as he watches the screen in Mumbai, India.

European Union leaders on Friday agreed to make moderate amendments to the EU treaty in order to create a permamnent bailout mechanism, but left questions surrounding the details of such a mechanism unanswered.

"It is like changing the constitution..it gives very strong mandate for a strong support mechanism that will stabilize euro whenever neccessary," Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou told CNBC at the gathering of EU leaders.